SRA suspends Asons founder’s licence to practice law
One of the founders of the controversial Bolton law firm Asons Solicitors which ceased trading a week ago has had his licence suspended by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The SRA says it has taken the action against former Asons director Kamran Akram, closing his firm “with immediate effect” after what it says are breaches of the regulatory body’s principles.
The authority said Akram’s licence to practice law has been suspended and it has taken possession of all documents, papers and money which were owned by personal injury and clinical negligence specialist Asons, which ceased trading before rebranded as Coops Law.
Kamran Akram and brother and former chief executive Imran are no longer owners of the business and the newly-badged company has now been taken over by another member of the family, Irfan Akram, and will continue operating.
A statement from the SRA: “The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened into the practice of Kamran Akram at Asons Solicitors, 40 Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HL.
“The grounds of intervention are breaches of the SRA Principles and breaches of the SRA Code of Conduct.
“The practising certificate of Kamran Akram has been automatically suspended, so he cannot practice as a solicitor.
“An intervention means the SRA has closed a firm with immediate effect. It will stop the firm from operating, take possession of all documents and papers held by the firm, and take possession of all money held by the firm (including clients’ money). It is not responsible towards employees or trade creditors of firms that it has intervened in.
“The SRA has appointed an agent to deal with all matters currently held by Asons Solicitors. The agent will assess all on-going matters and deal with those of greatest need first. The SRA’s archive team will take control of all documents held by the firm.
“Clients of Asons Solicitors do not need to contact either the agent or the SRA at this time.
“If anyone does have a query, however, they can contact the agent, Neal Boland, of Stephensons Solicitors LLP, on 0333 344 4776, or by emailing sraenquiries@stephensons.co.uk. Alternatively, these clients can contact the SRA on 0370 606 2555.”
Meanwhile, Kamran Akram has now personally repaid a £300,000 grant from Bolton Council to Asons which caused widespread outrage across the town.
Council leader, Cllr Cliff Morris, on Wednesday (March 29) night that the controversial grant – granted under emergency powers and behind closed doors following Asons’ move to former offices of The Bolton News on Churchgate – had been repaid in full.
The terms of the grant were breached when Asons ceased trading, with all of its employees transferred to Coops Law.
